Sooke

This little community on the southwestern tip of Vancouver Island makes for a quaint and quiet alternative to Victoria. Sooke's sheltered harbor is filled with fishing boats rather than tourists, and its numerous parks provide a scenic backdrop for hiking, biking and horseback riding. You'll also find a respectable assortment of water activities here -- including fishing, sailing and whale-watching -- thanks to the town's location on the Juan de Fuca Strait.

And just because it's a small town doesn't mean you won't get your culture fix: Sooke hosts a variety of shops, art galleries and several notable festivals like the Sooke Fine Arts Show in August.

Sooke sits about 23 miles southeast of Victoria. Although you can drive there (just follow the Island Highway that becomes Sooke Road), consider taking the ferry for more scenic views. You'll find a number of small inns and B&Bs, so feel free to stay more than a day. You can find out more about things to do in Sooke on the town's official website.